Ian reached passed Ashlin to offer his hand to Mistress Cedrice who was stepping out of the carriage behind her.
“A happy day,” the older woman said, by way of greeting.
“Indeed,” Ian replied, smiling at the two blue-clad lovebirds who had momentarily forgotten that anyone else existed in the world.
A loud squeal broke the need for further conversation as Meena dashed into the courtyard. She threw her arms around Ashlin, not seeming to care that she was interrupting the moment between her and Onric.
Ashlin responded with her own laugh, hugging Meena and welcoming her into the moment.
As if sensing her presence before he saw her, Ian looked over his shoulder to see Robin approaching from around the corner of the castle. She caught his eye with a small smile and his heart settled into his chest. He needed nothing more.
“Come inside,” Meena said to Ashlin, tugging her hand toward the family wing. “We have so much to do to get you ready.”
Onric pulled Ashlin back into his embrace. “One hour,” he said to Meena. “Then she is mine forever.”
Robin stopped next to Ian, her fingers quietly searching out his hand.
“You will survive for the next hour,” Meena said rolling her eyes at her Onric. She tugged at Ashlin's hand which she had never released.
“That is questionable,” Onric replied, releasing his bride.
Ashlin laughed, smiling over her shoulder at Onric as Meena pulled her away.
Onric's eyes followed her until she and Meena had disappeared through the castle doorway, then his smile turned into a pretend grimace. “It's a good thing Meena is leaving for Chendas with Sol, or I would never get a moment alone with my wife.” He turned to Ian and Robin, unable to hide his smile after calling Ashlin his wife.
“She will have plenty to keep her hands busy in Chendas,” Ian affirmed.
Robin nodded at his side. “It will not be an easy task.”
With Gareth's death, Chendas had been left without a king or an heir to the throne. Frederich had used his influence within the Council of Five Kingdoms to install Sol as a sort of restorative regent—but someone still had to root out the last of Gareth's treachery from the heart of his own palace.
Frederich had volunteered to bear the brunt of that task, in part to atone for the blindness he had shown as king. It was why he had been so eager to pass his crown to Onric at once. Freed of his own throne yet still carrying the respect of a former king, he could travel to Chendas and absorb the resistance that would inevitably come from the local nobles. But the long-term plan reached even further. They would position Sol—a Majis—as the kingdom's next ruler, whether through a crown of his own or some new, council-led form of government.
“Meena could charm the warmth out of a stone, she will have no trouble winning the hearts of every noble in Chendas,” Onric said. He straightened the front of his elaborate jacket and rolled his shoulders back. “I must see to our arriving guests.” He looked toward the castle.
“You will make a good king,” Robin said. Her voice was not emotional, but Ian could hear the sincerity in it. She did not offer empty compliments.
Onric heard it too, as he glanced toward the ground. His expression could never hide his feelings, and Ian could see bothhis bewilderment and his humility. Robin was absolutely right. His brother had a fierce heart and an honest goodness that would serve Iseldis well. He deserved the power and recognition solely because he had never sought them out. And with Ashlin and her gentle strength by his side, they could accomplish anything.
Ian sent Robin a smirk. “It's not too late. The coronation hasn't happened yet.”
Robin shook her head frantically.
Behind her, Erich stepped out of the castle, Aizel at his side. Aizel wore a beautiful dark purple gown that Mistress Cedrice and Ashlin had crafted to match Erich's favorite purple and orange jacket. The dress even featured a long, fluttering feather that wrapped around her hips to match the one in Erich's hat.
“I didn't mean for us,” Ian continued speaking, lifting his voice to carry across the courtyard. “I just meant it wasn't too late to ask Erich to take the crown instead.”
Onric laughed, ease replacing the previous look of humble acceptance. “That is precisely why I accepted your offer. To save the kingdom from a magnificent disaster.” He turned to the approaching Erich.
Erich sniffed, pointing his face toward the sky. “I would have said no anyway.” He dropped his gaze to smile at each of them. “I have far more important work to to do.”
Despite his jesting tone, Ian knew his brother was serious. Aizel wanted to return to her island home of Istroya with Celesta. Their parents still lived there, as well as all the remaining Majis were still under the control of Gareth's taskers. It would not be an easy task to restore justice and freedom to the island, but Sol and Meena were committed to the task and they had the support of Iseldis, the Iseldan Majis, and River's Talon behind them.
“Your mother was looking for you,” Aizel said, speaking to Onric. “The guests have begun to arrive.”
“I was on my way to find her,” Onric said. He walked toward the castle, Aizel and Erich following him.
Ian waited for a moment, not yet ready to enter to the great hall which was likely already crowded.
